diff --git a/experiments/optimization/parse_frames.py b/experiments/optimization/parse_frames.py
index e3acbe3c..9ea71c58 100644
--- a/experiments/optimization/parse_frames.py
+++ b/experiments/optimization/parse_frames.py
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ def parse_frame(data, count, mask, extensions):
         except StopIteration:
             pass
         else:
-            assert False, "parser should return frame"
+            raise AssertionError("parser should return frame")
     reader.feed_eof()
     assert reader.at_eof(), "parser should consume all data"
 
diff --git a/experiments/optimization/parse_handshake.py b/experiments/optimization/parse_handshake.py
index af5a4eca..393e0215 100644
--- a/experiments/optimization/parse_handshake.py
+++ b/experiments/optimization/parse_handshake.py
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ def parse_handshake(handshake):
     except StopIteration:
         pass
     else:
-        assert False, "parser should return request"
+        raise AssertionError("parser should return request")
     reader.feed_eof()
     assert reader.at_eof(), "parser should consume all data"